1588P - Interventions to improve Herpes Zoster (HZ) vaccination rate among cancer outpatients receiving systemic treatments: A single-center real-world experience

Background

HZ infection is a potential cause of additional morbidity in immunocompromised patients (pts). ASCO, ESMO, and AIOM recommend recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV, Shingrix®, GSK) for pts who are immunocompromised due to cancer therapy. Vaccination rates among these pts remain suboptimal, and research on effective interventions to improve vaccination rates is limited. We report quality improvement interventions aimed at enhancing vaccine uptake among cancer outpatients.

Methods

A two-phase vaccination program for cancer outpatients receiving cancer treatments attending the Medical Oncology department of ASST Rhodense was conducted. Firstly, based on previous COVID-19 experience and with the collaboration of pts asociation La Lampada di Aladino ETS, a cross-sectional survey was administered to evaluate knowledge and awareness about HZ and RZV, vaccine hesitancy and the willingness of oncology pts to receive the RZV directly in the oncology department. Subsequently, an in-house vaccination program was managed by oncology staff.

Results

Two hundred pts conducted the survey while undergoing cancer treatment, highlighting partial understanding of HZ and RZV and a huge willingness to receive RZV from oncological staff. From June 2023 to April 2024, 220 pts received at least 1 dose of RZV, among which 152 (69%) received the second dose, resulting in a vaccination rate of 44% (220/496). Pts characteristics were as follows: 57% female, median age 70 (43-93) years, 80% ECOG PS 0-1, and 39% with at least 3 comorbidities. The most frequent tumors were breast 29%, lung 18%, colorectal 14%, prostate 10%, and upper GI 6%. The most common anticancer treatments were chemotherapy 44%, immunotherapy 28% targeted therapy 23%, and endocrine therapy 5%. No severe adverse event to RZV were reported. RZV was administered on average 7 (0-51) days before and 8 (0-70) days after intravenous therapy respectively.

Conclusions

Most cancer pts have a limited perception of the importance of vaccination. Vaccination with RZV was found to be safe. Our study highlights the potential for in-hospital vaccination strategies to enhance vaccination coverage and improve health outcomes among oncology pts.

Clinical trial identification

Editorial acknowledgement

Legal entity responsible for the study

The authors.

Funding

GSK.

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.